has been capable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has been capable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's or something's ability to perform a task or function over a period of time. Example: "The team has been capable of meeting all project deadlines despite the challenges faced."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

No U.S. administration has been capable of delivering such a guarantee.

The New York Times

As a campaigner, Mr Bush has been capable of almost marine-like political self-control.

The Economist

For me, it is awakening people to the glories to what humankind has been capable of producing over millennia".

The Guardian

He has been capable of genuine indignation over votes cast on the basis of politics rather than music.

The Guardian - Opinion

In the office, he has been capable of acts of nobility, but lately he has exhibited a vicious streak.

The New York Times

This model has been capable of reproducing the expected oil flow and the thermal distribution inside the transformer.

Applied Thermal Engineering

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

They appear to have been capable of producing abstract designs.

The New Yorker

Astonishing that she had been capable of such faith.

The New Yorker

Could she really have been capable of tenderness?

The Guardian

What might he have been capable of then?

The New Yorker

"I don't know if I would have been capable of it had she been around.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has been capable" to emphasize a sustained or proven ability over time. For instance, "The software has been capable of handling large datasets since its last update."

Common error

Avoid using "has been capable" when a simpler phrase like "can" or "is able to" suffices. For instance, instead of "He has been capable of speaking English since childhood", say "He has spoken English since childhood".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been capable" functions as an auxiliary verb phrase, indicating the ability or capacity of a subject to perform an action over a period of time. As Ludwig AI indicates, this construction is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "has been capable" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a subject's sustained ability or capacity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for various contexts, although simpler alternatives might suit informal settings better. Its usage is particularly common in news, media, and scientific writing. To enhance clarity, avoid overusing the phrase and consider alternatives like "has been able to" or "has demonstrated the ability to" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has been able to

Emphasizes the actual ability to perform a task.

has demonstrated the ability to

Highlights proven competence through past actions.

has proven to be able to

Emphasizes that the ability has been confirmed through experience.

has had the capacity to

Highlights the inherent potential or ability to do something.

has shown the potential to

Focuses on future possibilities based on current qualities.

has been equipped to

Suggests the possession of necessary tools or resources.

has been up to the task of

Indicates competence in handling a specific challenge or duty.

has been in a position to

Focuses on having the right circumstances or opportunity.

has been equal to

Suggests that something or someone is adequate, or is capable.

has been qualified to

Implies meeting the necessary standards or requirements.

FAQs

What does "has been capable of" mean?

The phrase "has been capable of" means that someone or something has possessed the ability or capacity to perform a particular action or task over a period of time.

How can I use "has been capable of" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a sustained ability, such as, "The company "has been capable of" delivering consistent profits despite market fluctuations."

What are some alternatives to "has been capable of"?

Alternatives include "has been able to", "has had the capacity to", or "has demonstrated the ability to", each offering slightly different nuances.

Is "has been capable of" formal or informal?

The phrase "has been capable of" is relatively neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although simpler alternatives might be preferred in very casual settings.